Chinese jade censers (incense burners)

Censers, also known as incense burners, have a long history in China, dating back to ancient times. They were used for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies, medicinal treatments, and as a means of purifying the air.

In ancient China, censers were used in religious rituals and ceremonies, particularly in Taoist and Buddhist temples. They were also used in imperial palaces and government buildings, where they were used to purify the air and to ward off evil spirits. Censers were often made of bronze, and were decorated with intricate designs and motifs, such as dragons, phoenixes, and other symbols more... of power and authority.

During the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), censers were used in traditional Chinese medicine as a way to burn herbal mixtures to treat illnesses. Censers were also used in the home as part of everyday life, where they were used to purify the air and to create a pleasant aroma.

During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the production of censers reached its peak, with many different types of censers being produced, including those made of bronze, ceramic, and porcelain. Censers produced during this time were often highly decorative and were designed to be used as decorative objects as well as functional ones.

In the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), censers were still produced and used, but their popularity and production decreased, as the traditional culture and customs were suppressed by the ruling Manchu dynasty. Today, Chinese censers are still produced and used, but primarily for decorative and cultural purposes.

 The Japanese equivalent is known as a koro. less...

Jadeite and jade are two different types of minerals that are often used interchangeably to refer to a green-colored gemstone that has cultural and spiritual significance in many parts of the world.

Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral with the chemical formula NaAlSi2O6. It is one of the two types of minerals that are commonly referred to as "jade" (the other being nephrite). Jadeite is a relatively rare mineral that is found in metamorphic rocks in certain regions of the world, including Myanmar (formerly Burma), Guatemala, and California. It is known for its bright green color, which is caused by more... the presence of chromium and other trace elements. Jadeite is also valued for its hardness and toughness, which makes it suitable for use in jewelry and other decorative objects.

Jade, on the other hand, is a term that is used more broadly to refer to a variety of green-colored gemstones, including both jadeite and nephrite. It is often associated with Chinese culture, where it has been used for thousands of years in art, jewelry, and other decorative objects. Jade is believed to have a range of spiritual and healing properties, including promoting harmony and balance, and is often associated with good luck and prosperity.

Pounamu is a type of greenstone that is highly valued by the indigenous M?ori people of New Zealand. It is also known as New Zealand jade or by its mineral name, nephrite.

Pounamu is found in several locations in the South Island of New Zealand, including the Arahura River, the Marsden Valley, and the West Coast. It is typically dark green in color, although it can also be light green, gray, or white. Pounamu is known for its hardness, durability, and toughness, which make it a popular material for carving, jewelry, and other decorative objects.

For the M?ori people, pounamu is considered a taonga, or treasure, and is highly valued for its spiritual and cultural significance. It is often used to represent strength, resilience, and connection to the land and the ancestors. Pounamu is also used in many traditional M?ori ceremonies and rituals, and is

While jadeite and jade are often used interchangeably, it is important to note that not all green-colored gemstones are actually jade. To be considered true jade, a stone must be either jadeite or nephrite and have certain specific physical and chemical properties.